The Nitrogen Action Programme (PAS) was launched in order to reduce the nitrogen loads in 'Natura 2000' areas and at the same time to facilitate spatial planning and economic development. The PAS went into effect on 1 July 2015.<br> <br>At the request of the PAS Agency, RIVM will submit an annual report to the Dutch government on the calculated amount of nitrogen that is deposited on the soil from the air (deposition). This information can be used to evaluate whether the programme needs to be adjusted. The first monitoring report includes the 'zero measurement' (initial situation) and the changes in the amount of nitrogen during the first half year in the Natura 2000 areas. The report indicates that the calculated amount of nitrogen deposited over the years is decreasing, even as the area available for economic activity is being utilised.<br> <br>The results are in line with the prognoses made when the PAS went into effect. The calculated decrease is not yet reflected everywhere in the measurements of the ammonia concentrations during the past years. Based on the measurements, a trend of increasing concentrations can actually be seen in some parts of the Netherlands. At the request of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, RIVM is investigating the difference between the calculations and the measurements.<br> <br>This report on nitrogen is part of the overall annual PAS monitoring report. The other parts consist of similar reports focusing on nature (for which the PAS Agency is responsible) and a framework memorandum on the overall PAS monitoring report

The Nitrogen Action Programme (PAS) was launched in order to reduce the nitrogen loads in 'Natura 2000' areas and at the same time to facilitate spatial planning and economic development. The PAS went into effect on 1 July 2015.<br> <br>At the request of the PAS Agency, RIVM will submit an annual report to the Dutch government on the calculated amount of nitrogen that is deposited on the soil from the air (deposition). This information can be used to evaluate whether the programme needs to be adjusted. The first monitoring report includes the 'zero measurement' (initial situation) and the changes in the amount of nitrogen during the first half year in the Natura 2000 areas. The report indicates that the calculated amount of nitrogen deposited over the years is decreasing, even as the area available for economic activity is being utilised.<br> <br>The results are in line with the prognoses made when the PAS went into effect. The calculated decrease is not yet reflected everywhere in the measurements of the ammonia concentrations during the past years. Based on the measurements, a trend of increasing concentrations can actually be seen in some parts of the Netherlands. At the request of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, RIVM is investigating the difference between the calculations and the measurements.<br> <br>This report on nitrogen is part of the overall annual PAS monitoring report. The other parts consist of similar reports focusing on nature (for which the PAS Agency is responsible) and a framework memorandum on the overall PAS monitoring report